Surrender California License Plates

In general, CA license plates are
not surrendered to the DMV. They stay with the vehicle when it is bought or sold.

If you have a specialty license plate, it stays with you (the "plate-holder") to be transferred to your next car if you choose to do so. Exceptions occur only with certain plates in the case of death, such as with disability license plates.

NOTE: If you have a standard plate but then choose to apply for a specialty license plate, you will exchange your standard plate when you pick up your specialty plate from the DMV.